Immunotherapy combo shows promise in kidney cancer trial

NCT ID NCT04394975

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 3 trial tested whether combining the immunotherapy toripalimab with the targeted drug axitinib works better than the standard drug sunitinib for people with advanced kidney cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Over 400 participants received either the combination or sunitinib alone. The study measured how long patients lived without their cancer worsening.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

toripalimab (immunotherapy) combined with axitinib (targeted therapy)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could become a new first-line treatment option that helps people with advanced kidney cancer live longer without their disease getting worse.

What could go wrong

This is a completed phase 3 trial, but results are not yet published. The combination may not prove better than sunitinib, and side effects from immunotherapy plus targeted therapy can be serious.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

renal cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beijing Cancer Hospital

    Beijing, China